The ongoing genocide in Gaza has largely disappeared from German media and public attention; the repression of pro-Palestinian voices, however, has not.
Over two and a half years into the genocide, Germany is still trying to silence those voices who stand up against Zionist and imperialist atrocities in West Asia. Raids, arrests, fines, and job losses are common for activists.
We organized a demonstration on October 7, 2024, entitled “77 Years of Resistance”.
I and another organizer are now being accused of having ties to Hamas for this demonstration; as a result, my home was recently raided.
Rabab Douwa, Palestine Activist in Frankfurt
Slogans are banned, and people are prosecuted if they shout at demonstrations: “Palestine may defend itself, even with stones and guns; Yalla intifada and from the river to the sea”.
The authorities establish a connection between Hamas and these slogans.
In March, the state security service came to me and said that if these slogans were shouted, they would break up the rally.
Samar Khan, Palestine Activist in Hessen
Once a political activist himself and the brother of a journalist who lost most of his jobs in Germany for refusing to follow the anti-Russian narrative of mainstream media, Matthias Seipel defends activists as a solicitor.
The situation in Germany is catastrophic. The UN Human Rights Council has received several reports on restrictions on freedom of expression in Germany.
Freedom of expression hardly matters to those in power anymore.
A country that committed genocide against Jews and in Russia continues to support genocide today.
This is historical continuity.
Matthias Seipel, Solicitor
Repression is rife throughout Germany.
The Palestine Solidarity Movement demonstrates how the state is pulling out all the tools in its arsenal of repression.
In Frankfurt, there have been three waves of house raids. People are losing their livelihoods.
We are experiencing firsthand what it means when a state supports genocide.
Rabab Douwa, Palestine Activist in Frankfurt
Mohammad is a Palestinian activist and lives in the northern German city of Hanover. Due to his activism, he lost his refugee status.
I am facing deportation from Germany. The reason given is that my activism makes me a danger to society.
I have lived here for 11 years; I work with children and young people. I am well integrated and have received awards for it.
But now, I am accused of raising awareness about the genocide for the past 3 years.
I stand for justice against the murder of children by Israel, against the rising tide of fascism.
Mohammad Kawaa, Syrian Refugee in Hannover
Similar cases are known to Press TV from other German cities. Last year, authorities in Berlin revoked the dual citizenship of a German Palestinian man due to his activism.
Since the war in Ukraine, the genocide in Gaza, and the ongoing imperialist aggressions against Lebanon and Iran, German authorities are increasingly cracking down on any form of political dissent.
